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The United States and the United Kingdom have banned Russian oil, and the European Union has ended its reliance on Russian gas, ratcheting up the economic response to Ukraine's invasion. The move, according to US President Joe Biden, is aimed at "the main artery of Russia's economy." Energy exports are a major source of income for Russia, but the decision is expected to have an impact on Western customers. Meanwhile, major corporations have continued to withdraw from Russia, with McDonald's and Coca-Cola being the most recent to do so. The economy of Russia is strongly reliant on energy. After Saudi Arabia and the United States, it is the world's third-largest oil production. The economy of Russia is strongly reliant on energy. After Saudi Arabia and the United States, it is the world's third-largest oil production. Russia warned of "catastrophic" consequences for the world economy before the sanctions were revealed, and suggested it might shut d

The Florida Senate has passed a law prohibiting primary school students from discussing their sexual orientation or gender identity. The bill, which would prohibit instructors from teaching these themes to children under the age of ten, is expected to be signed by Governor Ron DeSantis. The bill's opponents claim that it will alienate LGBT youth. Proponents argue that it is about giving parents more control over their children's education. It's been called the "Don't Say Gay" bill by activists. The Parental Rights in Education Bill is the official name for it. Between kindergarten and third grade, when pupils are between the ages of five and nine, it is illegal to teach about sexual orientation or gender identity. It also urges school districts to steer clear of LGBT issues "when not age- or developmentally appropriate for pupils." Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, denounced the passage of "hateful legislation targeting vulnerable stud

In the city of Grand Rapids, jury selection for the federal trial of four men accused of plotting to abduct Michigan's Democratic governor has begun. Prosecutors say the men targeted Gretchen Whitmer because of Covid rules she imposed early in the pandemic. The government's case is insufficient, according to the accused's lawyers, who have suggested an entrapment defense. The study, which will be keenly followed, is planned to run roughly six weeks. The men planned to blow up a bridge near the governor's vacation house, abduct her, and put her on a "treason trial," according to the FBI, which says it foiled the plot 17 months ago. In the end, 14 suspected plotters were apprehended. Six members of the gang were arrested and charged in federal court. The other eight are facing separate charges from the state. Two of the individuals facing federal charges have already pled guilty, and the remaining four are anticipated to testify against them during the trial. Th

Russian planes owned or chartered by Russians would be prosecuted if they cross UK airspace, according to ministers. Russian-owned aircraft are already barred from flying to the UK, but the latest measure is aimed at affluent Russians who charter private jets registered in a third nation. The administration stated that the sanctions will be aimed at Kremlin insiders. One plane at Hampshire's Farnborough Airport is already being investigated. The Luxembourg-registered private plane is being seized by UK officials as part of an investigation into whether it is Russian-owned and carried a Russian passenger to the UK in violation of sanctions. New commercial sanctions have also been declared by the government, prohibiting all UK exports of aviation or space-related technology to Russia, as well as associated services such as insurance. Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the latest penalties will cause more "economic damage to Russia and people close to the Kremlin" when she ann

People waiting for visas at a "understaffed" UK application centre are angry and frustrated, according to the daughter of a Ukrainian refugee. "It does feel like there will be rioting," Marianne Kay of Yorkshire says if the delays continue much longer. She traveled to Rzeszow, Poland, to assist her 79-year-old mother Antonina Kolodii in obtaining asylum in the United Kingdom. She said that people began congregating outside the center in the early morning, despite the frigid conditions. MPs have chastised the Home Office for its poor reaction to the influx of over two million people fleeing Ukraine, claiming that individuals seeking asylum are being held up or turned away by bureaucracy. The Ukraine Family Scheme has granted about 500 visas, with more than 10,000 people applying to join family in the UK. A second visa path is also being developed, which will require a British sponsor. The "large and very generous" immigration program, according to Prime Min